Controlling the reversible assembly/disassembly of multicomponent using molecular recognition in molecular robots

摘要

Here, we report the multicomponent assembly and disassembly processes involving DNA strand displacement to construct molecular robots. The framework for development of molecular robots designates the components as parts of the robot. Molecular recognition is used to control the reversible processes of assembly and disassembly of multiple components. The molecular recognition system identifies not only a single-strand DNA but also a microribonucleic acid as molecular stimuli to control the processes. The processes were demonstrated by gel electrophoresis, fluorescence assays, and atomic force microscopy.